AUTHORS: Simpson, Sierra PhD et al  Anesthesia & Analgesia 139(4):p 690-699, October 2024. BACKGROUND: Persistent opioid use is a common occurrence after surgery and prolonged exposure to opioids may result in escalation and dependence. The objective of this study was to develop machine-learning–based predictive models for persistent opioid use after major spine surgery. METHODS: Five classification […]

Authors: Sukhman Shergill, MD et al  ASA Monitor October 2024, Vol. 88, 24–25. As discussed in the last Dr. Gearhead column (ASA Monitor 2024;88:1,6), neuromodulation can be achieved through either chemical or electrical stimulation. The advancement and application of neuromodulation has transformed the landscape for chronic pain patients suffering from intractable pain conditions. The application of electrical […]

We are seeking a dedicated anesthesia care team to join our new anesthesia care team contract at Lubbock Heart and Surgery Hospital in Lubbock TX. Position Highlights: Anesthesiologist call is 1:3 Competitive salary of $575,000 plus benefits. 8 weeks of vacation. CRNA no call Competitive salary of $280,000 plus benefits. 8 weeks of vacation. Interested? […]

AUTHORS: Ekrami, Elyad MD et al  Anesthesia & Analgesia 139(4):p 724-733, October 2024. BACKGROUND: Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug with effects on different pain pathways. However, interactions between cannabis and postoperative pain are unclear. Cannabis smoking also affects the lungs, but the impact of cannabis use on postoperative pulmonary complications is unknown. We […]

We are seeking a dedicated anesthesiologist to join our all-anesthesiologist group. Our team will consist of 4 full-time providers and 1 for vacation relief, managing 3 operating rooms. Position Highlights: Zero call for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week of call without daytime work only call after 7 PM therefore you may not work the […]

AUTHORS: Maniker, Robert B. MD, MSc et al Anesthesia & Analgesia 139(4):p 687-689, October 2024. Although well intended, surgical procedures can result in chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Moreover, the treatment of postsurgical pain with opioids may lead to persistent postoperative opioid use (PPOU), opioid-use disorder (OUD), and opioid-related harm to patients and households. It is therefore […]

AUTHORS: Simpson, Sierra PhD et al  Anesthesia & Analgesia 139(4):p 690-699, October 2024. BACKGROUND: Persistent opioid use is a common occurrence after surgery and prolonged exposure to opioids may result in escalation and dependence. The objective of this study was to develop machine-learning–based predictive models for persistent opioid use after major spine surgery. METHODS: Five classification […]

Author: Richard Novak MD The Anesthesia Consultant Imagine this: It’s the year 2034. You’re diagnosed with gallstones and you need to have your gallbladder removed. This will require an operating room staffed with a surgeon, a nurse, a scrub technician, and an anesthesia professional. If the current trend of inadequate numbers of anesthesia clinicians in […]

Author: Randy Dotinga Medscape Anesthesiology In a stunning verdict against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, a New Orleans jury has awarded $421 million in damages to a surgery center over the insurer’s alleged failure to fully pay out-of-network charges. Insurance specialists told Medscape Medical News that the September 20 verdict is unusual. If upheld on […]

ASA Monitor October 2024, Vol. 88, 30. Sir William Osler described imperturbability as “coolness and presence of mind under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgement in moments of grave peril, immobility, impassiveness.” He declared the physician who is misfortunate enough to be without imperturbability, “who shows that he is flustered and flurried in ordinary […]